Join Us

New Mexico Governor will not push for anti-marriage constitutional amendment

Today at a news conference, the governor of New Mexico, Susana Martinez, announced that she would oppose any proposed legislation for a constitutional amendment to restrict the freedom to marry to different-sex couples in New Mexico during the state's upcoming 30-day legislative session.

Gov. Martinez explained, "I think what I said before was that yes, the people should have decided on it, but the Supreme Court has decided. And it's now the law of the land."

On December 19, 2013, the New Mexico Supreme Court issued a landmark decision in a lawsuit seeking clarification on laws regarding the freedom to marry in the state. The ruling affirmed what a majority of New Mexicans already know: That everyone in the state should have the freedom to marry the person they love.

Last week, as same-sex couples and families across New Mexico rejoiced as they celebrated the unanimous ruling, a small group of legislators opposed to the freedom to marry vowed to introduce legislation that would amend the New Mexico constitution so that same-sex couples are again excluded from marriage.

Gov. Martinez's strong words today mark her commitment to standing by the New Mexico Supreme Court's ruling that same-sex couples and their families should be treated equally.

This year, New Mexico Unites for Marriage has led the conversation about why marriage matters in the state. The broad and diverse coalition included state and national organizations, business and civic leaders, and everyday New Mexicans. Freedom to Marry is proud to serve as a founding and leading member of New Mexico Unites, alongside the ACLU of New Mexico, Equality New Mexico, ProgressNow New Mexico, America Votes, the Human Rights Campaign, the National Center for Lesbian Rights, and the Our America Initiative.